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Veterans and ROTC Students

Veterans

Saint Vincent College appreciates the men and women who serve our country and supports military veterans, spouses and dependents. There are many benefits for attending Saint Vincent College to advance your education and skills.

The Financial Aid Office at Saint Vincent College is here to assist with your next steps toward achieving your educational goals. Saint Vincent College is proud to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The College has voluntarily entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to fund uncovered tuition and fee charges for all Chapter 33 Yellow Ribbon-eligible Veterans, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Saint Vincent will award Yellow Ribbon benefits for tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, using institutional funds awarded to the student upon admission. Remaining institutional funds may be used to cover direct Saint Vincent College costs such as room and board. Veterans eligible for this benefit may designate a child as a transferee under Transfer of Entitlement.

Saint Vincent College has been approved to receive Military Tuition Assistance. Tuition Assistance is funding for eligible military members from the Department of Defense (DoD) through individual service branches. This assistance is not from the Veteran’s Administration Benefits such as Chapter 30 (GI Bill) and Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill). Tuition Assistance and GI Bill benefits can be used in conjunction, with the GI Bill benefits filling in for what the tuition assistance does not cover. (Top-up).

Military Tuition Assistance

  • Steps for requesting Tuition Assistance:

    Although not required for Tuition Assistance, these sources of financial aid and transfer of credits are recommended if not already requested:

    Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance Funds Policy.
    • In the event a military student cannot complete courses already enrolled in and underway due to a military activation or deployment, a prorated return of tuition assistance funds will be returned to the service branch in a proportion to weeks of course completed.
    • Saint Vincent’s policy on the return of unearned TA funds to the government:
      “Saint Vincent College will return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period which funds were provided.”
      A prorated table of returns for 16/8 week courses can be found here Saint Vincent College Policy on Military Tuition Assistance Return.docx

    In the event a military student fails to complete the course for which Tuition Assistance was provided for reasons other than service commitments, (insufficient grade, dis-enrollment, etc.) the military student will likely be required to reimburse the military service branch for the Tuition Assistance provided. Please discuss all the requirements with your service branch Education Officer or counselor prior to accepting Tuition Assistance.

    Westmoreland County Veterans Affairs

    PA Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits

  • How to Receive Benefits

    The first step to receiving Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits is to complete the form 22-1990 by applying for benefits online. Approval for Veterans Affairs benefits may be a lengthy process and students are encouraged to complete this application as early as possible.

    Eligible veterans will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. Once this is received, veterans are asked to submit a copy of the certificate to the Financial Aid Office and schedule an appointment to discuss the benefits. The Certificate of Eligibility is required to submit enrollment certification to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

    The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility for federal and state financial aid is in addition to Veterans Affairs benefits. Please include the Saint Vincent FAFSA code – 003368.

  • Multiple Programs Available

    Saint Vincent College administers multiple Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits.  For more information regarding these benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program and a student’s responsibilities please visit U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training.  The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Eligibility for federal and state financial aid is in addition to Veterans Affairs benefits. Please include the Saint Vincent FAFSA code – 003368.

    Eligible Chapters 

    Chapter 30-Montgomery GI Bill® 

    • Veterans and service members who have at least 2 years of active duty.
    • Eligibility generally expires 10 years after service member’s discharge.
    • Must have high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or have completed 12 hours toward college degree prior to applying.
    • Maximum number of months veterans can receive payment is 36 at the full-time rate.

    Chapter 1606-Montgomery GI Bill® -Selected Reserve 

    • Members of reserve elements of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
    • May be entitled to up to 36 months of benefits – generally end the day reservist or National Guard member separates from military
    • Eligibility requirements:
    • A six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve or National Guard
    • Completed initial active duty for training (IADT)
    • Have high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT
    • Remaining in good standing in unit
    • Reserve component determines eligibility for benefits

    Chapter 1607 -REAP (Reserve Educational Assistance Program) 

    • Members of Reserve components or National Guard ordered to active duty service in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the President or Congress
    • Eligibility determined by Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security
    • Service member who serves on active duty for a least 90 consecutive days on or after Sept. 11, 2001
    • Eligibility generally expires 10 years after separation

     Chapter 33- Post 9/11 GI Bill® 

    • Education benefits for Service members and Veterans who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001
    • Must serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 and remain on active duty or be honorably discharged
    • Eligibility expires 15 years from the last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days
    • Irrevocable election of other education benefits must be made to receive benefits

    Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) 

    • Provides services to eligible Service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities
    • Veteran must have a VA service-connected disability rated at least 20% with an employment handicap, or rated 10% with a serious employment handicap
    • Veteran works with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to determine eligibility
    • Basic period of eligibility is 12 years 

    Chapter 35- Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance 

    • Educational Assistance to the spouse or child of a Service member or Veteran
      • Who either died of a service-connected disability, or who has permanent and total service-connected disability, or who died while such a disability existed.
      • Service member listed for more than 90 days as currently Missing in Action, detained or interned by a foreign government or power, or captured by a hostile force while serving
      • Service member is hospitalized or receives outpatient care or treatment for a disability that is determined to be totally and permanently disabling
      • Period of eligibility for Veterans’ spouses expires 10 years from either the date of the Veteran’s death or the date they become eligible – Eligibility for spouses of Service members who died on active duty expires 20 years from date of death
      • Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive benefits
    • Benefits are paid for full-time training up to 45 months or the equivalent in part-time training.

    Pennsylvania National Guard Military Family Education Program 

    Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, PHEAA administers this tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard Members who enter into an additional 6-year service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

    Grant Information: https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/aid-for-military-national-guard/military-family-education.shtml

    Eligibility:

    To be considered for the MFEP, you must be:

    A Guard Member:

    • Someone who completed an initial service obligation, on or after July 1, 2019, in the Pennsylvania National Guard and be eligible to reenlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard for a period of 6 years

    A Family Member:

    • Someone who is a spouse or child of a Pennsylvania National Guard member who meets the above criteria and has assigned the benefit to the family member.
    • Someone who is enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution

    Minimum/Maximums Awards

    Undergraduates and Graduates Full-Time Attendance, the lesser of:
    100% of the tuition plus technology fee at the institution where you are enrolled OR The annual tuition rate and technology fee charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state-owned university

    Undergraduates and Graduates Part-Time Attendance, the lesser of:
    100% of the tuition plus technology fee for a part-time course of study OR The per credit tuition rate charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state-owned university plus technology fee

    • The MFEP grant can be used for a degree-granting curriculum or certificate-granting, course of study, or training programs required for entrance into a specific career as determined by PHEAA at an approved PHEAA institution of higher learning for up to 5 academic years.
    • The PA Guard Member can assign the entire benefit to one dependent or a portion of the benefit to more than one dependent.
    • If you fail to honor the service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, you must repay your total MFEP award amount, plus interest.

    Length of Dependent Eligibility

    • A spouse can use the assigned MFEP benefit up to 6 years after the member’s separation from the PA Guard.
    • Children can use the assigned MFEP benefit before reaching 26 years of age.

    Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for National Guard Members

    A state-funded program which awards an education grant in the amount of tuition to qualifying National Guard members.

    Paperwork is initiated through the Guard unit, and should be submitted at least 2-3 months prior to the term. When eligibility is determined, the student receives an award letter indicating the amount of tuition payment; payment is made directly to the student's account. Students who receive EAP are also eligible for the GI Bill®.

    Criteria for eligibility

    • Must be enrolled in an accredited Commonwealth of PA college that is PHEAA approved.
    • Must be enrolled in approved program of education.
    • Must be a member in good standing of the National Guard with an obligation to serve for 6 years from date of entry into the program. This obligation may be incurred through enlistment/reenlistment/extension.
    • Must be a resident of Pennsylvania 12 months prior to enrollment.
    • Must be a Private through Sergeant major, Warrant Officer 1 or 2, or Lieutenant.
    • May not possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher degree, if full-time.
    • Failure to complete the 6 year service agreement of being deemed an unsatisfactory participant will result in repayment of all monies paid under the EAP, plus interest & fees.
    • Eligibility is limited to five years of full-time or part-time grants, or the equivalent.

    Application Process

    • Enlist, reenlist or extend enlistment for 6 years.
    • Obtain application from PANG Education Officer, submit application, cost and promissory note for the EAP to the PANG Education Officer.
    • Enroll in an approved program at a PHEAA approved school.
    • Have PANG Education Officer verify eligibility and send application to PHEAA.
    • School and student are notified of student's EAP eligibility; school verifies enrollment; PHEAA disburses monies to the school.

    Click to read an article on six tips for making a new start in college as a civilian, which includes tips from a veteran member of our faculty, Dr. Eric Kocian.  

    Click to register on a Pennsylvania job-search portal CareerLink, which includes a military translator that allows you to enter your military occupation code (MOS/MOC), matches it to civilian skills and occupations, and allows you to automatically receive job postings that match your preferences.  

  • Military and VA Policies

    Readmission Policy

    A student who has withdrawn and been away from Saint Vincent for more than two semesters or has been dismissed from Saint Vincent College must reapply according to the ordinary application procedures. This student may be readmitted only with permission from the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention and from the Office of Student Affairs. If this student has attended another postsecondary school, an official transcript must be sent directly to the Saint Vincent College Office of Admission and Financial Aid from the post-secondary schools attended.

    Military Deployment and Refund Policy

    The College will assist a student who is currently enrolled in an academic semester and who is called to active military duty with transition out of the College as quickly as possible.  Students who withdraw from the College are required to contact the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention and complete an official withdrawal form and exit survey. The student must file written documentation of the activation order.

    Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Administrators

    • No action will be taken by financial aid staff that is for their personal benefit or could be perceived to be a conflict of interest.

    • Information provided by the financial aid office is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.

    • All required consumer information is displayed in a prominent location on the institutional web site(s) and in any printed materials, easily identified and found, and labeled as "Consumer Information."

    • Financial aid professionals will disclose to their institution any involvement, interest in, or potential conflict of interest with any entity with which the institution has a business relationship.

     

    Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies

    Federal law and Veterans Administration regulations specify the conditions under which student veterans, eligible dependents, and reservists are paid VA educational benefits. The law requires that educational benefits be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of his or her degree. Based upon this requirement, any student using VA educational benefits at Saint Vincent College will be dismissed immediately following the semester when the Veteran or other eligible person does not meet the requirement for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

    Policy Banning Incentive Compensation for Admissions and Financial Aid Employees

    Saint Vincent College is committed to providing students and their families with the best information and processing alternatives available regarding student borrowing. In support of this and in an effort to rule out any perceived or actual conflict of interest between Saint Vincent College officers, employees or agents and education loan lenders, Saint Vincent College has adopted the following:

    • Saint Vincent College does not participate in any revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender.

    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept any gifts of greater than a nominal value from any lender, guarantor or servicer.

    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept any fee, payment or other financial benefit (including a stock purchase option) from a lender or affiliate of a lender as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

    • Saint Vincent College does not permit any officer, employee or agent of the school who is employed in the financial aid office or is otherwise involved in the administration of education loans to accept anything of value from a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders and/or guarantors in exchange for service on an advisory board, commission or other group established by such a lender, guarantor group of lenders and/or guarantors. Saint Vincent College does allow for the reasonable reimbursement of expenses associated with participation in such boards, commissions or groups by lenders, guarantors, or groups of lenders and/or guarantors.

    • Saint Vincent College does not assign a lender to any first-time borrower through financial aid packaging or any other means.

    • Saint Vincent College recognizes that a borrower has the right to choose any lender from which to borrow to finance his/her education. Saint Vincent College will not refuse to certify or otherwise deny or delay certification of a loan based on the borrower’s selection of a lender and/or guarantor.

    • Saint Vincent College will not request or accept any offer of funds to be used for private education loans to students from any lender in exchange for providing the lender with a specified number or volume of Title IV loans, or a preferred lender arrangement for Title IV loans.

    • Saint Vincent College will not request or accept any assistance with call center or financial aid office staffing.

    Refund Policies

    The policy for refund of tuition and fees upon withdrawal from individual courses or from Saint Vincent College applies only to withdrawal processed on the Portal or on official College withdrawal forms. A 95 percent refund will be given in the fall and spring semesters within the first 15 calendar days of the course. A 40 percent refund will be granted between days 16-30 of the course. On the 31st day of each course no tuition or fees will be granted. A 95 percent refund will be given in the summer within the first seven calendar days of the course. Beginning the eighth day, no refund will be granted. Note that refunds, if any, depend on the dates noted on the official withdrawal forms. A student who feels that special circumstances warrant an exception from established policy may present an appeal to the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention.

    A refund of tuition and fees is possible for actively serving members (active duty and reserve duty) of the US armed services ordered to relocate, and as a result are unable to meet class attendance and requirements including web based activities. The student should contact the Office of Student Success and Retention to begin the withdrawal process and will be required to present a copy of the military orders with formal correspondence on unit letterhead signed by the commanding officer. The correspondence must include the unit commander contact information and duration and location of the assignment. Room and Board refunds will be processed on a prorated basis per the date of withdrawal.

    Articulation and Transfer of Credits Policies

    • Transfer credit evaluation is completed in the Registrar’s Office and based on course content regardless of mode of delivery (onsite, hybrid, or online). A log of previously evaluated courses from various accredited colleges and universities is maintained and updated on a regular basis with school deans/ department chairpersons. Assessment of a new course requires the student provide a course description and/or course syllabus. This information is reviewed by the school dean/department chairperson to determine whether the course will transfer as equivalent to a Saint Vincent course or as elective credit. Final determination of acceptance or denial of transfer credit is the responsibility of the Registrar.

    • Credits earned by a student at another accredited institution will be accepted if the quality of the credits earned is a C- grade (1.70) or better, and if the number of credits in a given course does not exceed the number granted in a comparable course at Saint Vincent College. The College reserves the right to accept or reject courses for transfer credit on the basis of course objectives and content. All transfer credits must be submitted within the first year of enrollment as a matriculated student at Saint Vincent College.

    • For graduation from Saint Vincent College a minimum of 34 credits, including 18 in the major, must be earned at Saint Vincent College. If a student elects a minor or concentration, nine credits must be earned at Saint Vincent College.

    • A maximum of 90 credits earned at accredited four-year institutions will be accepted for transfer. A maximum of 62 credits earned at accredited two-year institutions will be accepted for transfer

    • Transfer course grades are not used in the computation of the student’s grade point average at Saint Vincent College. 

    • For registration purposes for currently enrolled students, transfer credits must be received by March 15 to be included in credits completed for the following fall registration; transfer credits must be received by Oct. 15 to be included in credits completed for the following spring registration

    • Situations not adequately covered by these regulations are resolved by the Registrar

    • Transfer credit evaluation is completed in the Registrar’s Office and based on course content regardless of mode of delivery (onsite, hybrid, or online). A log of previously evaluated courses from various accredited colleges and universities is maintained and updated on a regular basis with school deans/department chairpersons.  Assessment of a new course requires the student provide a course description and/or course syllabus.  This information is reviewed by the school dean/department chairperson to determine whether the course will transfer as equivalent to a Saint Vincent course or as elective credit.  Final determination of acceptance or denial of transfer credit is the responsibility of the Registrar.

     

    Student Concerns about Academic Matters

    In the event that a student has a concern about a particular course, the following procedures should be followed. First, the student should schedule an appointment with the professor to discuss the problem or concern. After this meeting, if the student believes that the concern has not been resolved, the next step is to meet with the faculty member’s chairperson or dean. If after this meeting the matter remains unresolved the student should contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs who will work with the student, faculty member and the chairperson or dean to resolve the matter.

    Priority Registration

    Veterans, active duty, and reservists are given priority registration at Saint Vincent College.  Specific dates and details will be made available to students prior to the registration period each semester by the Office of the Registrar.

    Assessment of Late Fees

    Saint Vincent College will not impose any penalty including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes because of the individual’s ability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding by the VA.

  • Verification of Enrollment

    Effective December 17, 2021 - Isakson and Roe Legislation

    Verification of enrollment to receive benefits (Section 1010)

    Requires students to verify their enrollment at school on a monthly basis in order to continue receiving their Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance (MHA). Schools will also be required to certify the student’s enrollment after the add-drop date. If a student fails to verify their enrollment status for two consecutive months, VA will withhold MHA payments until the student has verified their enrollment.

    Monthly verification requirement

    Students using Chapter 30, Chapter 33 Post 9/11, Chapter 1606 and 1607 benefits, must verify their enrollment with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs beginning the last day of every month by phone or online before receiving their benefit checks.

    How to verify

    There are two ways of verifying your enrollment:

    Verification system benefits

    These convenient systems benefit you in several ways:

    • 24 hour a day automated service.
    • Your education benefit check is issued faster.
    • You are able to certify beginning the last day of the month.

    Please note: These new automated systems replace the mail-in Student Verification of Enrollment used in the past.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Admission & Aid

 

 

Reserve Officer Training Corps

ROTC Scholarship

If you are interested in receiving an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship and commissioning into the Army Reserve, the Minuteman Scholarship provides you an excellent opportunity.

Minuteman Scholarships cover 4 years of full tuition and fees or $10,000 for room and board at colleges and universities served by an Army ROTC program.

Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It gives you the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment.

Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition. Because Army ROTC is an elective, you can participate your freshman and sophomore years without any obligation to join the Army. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but when you graduate, you will be commissioned as an Officer in the Army. At that point, you will have a wide range of interest areas you can specialize in called branches.

Those who succeed in the Army ROTC program are students who excel and want something more out of the college experience. Generally, these students are scholars who keep their grades up, athletes who are physically strong and leaders who have a great desire to learn.

AFROTC: Leaders of Character in Service to our Nation

The Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) is an officer accessions program designed to educate and develop leaders and commission officers of character for service in the US Air Force and the US Space Force. The 'Steel Eagles' of AFROTC Detachment (Det) 730 are based at the University of Pittsburgh and include cadets from Pitt and 15 crosstown universities in the Pittsburgh area.

AFROTC Cadets in Det 730 have unique opportunities to grow as leaders and form lasting friendships while also paying for college. Scholarships are available and can be earned several different ways.

  • Four-year scholarships are awarded to deserving high school seniors.

  • Scholarships are awarded to deserving cadets during their first two years in AFROTC.

  • Prior enlisted cadets can also earn scholarships.

  • Two-year scholarships are awarded to cadets who successfully complete Field Training between their

    Sophomore and Junior years, and meet military, academic, and physical standards*.

AFROTC includes weekly leadership laboratories, aerospace studies classes, and physical training. Freshman and Sophomore cadets can expect approximately five hours of AFROTC activities per week while the upper two classes participate in between 8 and 10 hours of Det-related activities and work per week. The AFROTC program typically lasts four years but a three-year commissioning program is available to those who choose to join at the beginning of their sophomore year.

On top of military training, Det 730 cadets are encouraged to participate in community service, color guard, recruiting, morale events, extracurricular physical training, and several other cadet-led extracurriculars for the purpose of staying well-rounded as a cadet and individual. AFROTC will develop you as a leader of character, keep you physically fit, and will help you pay for college. Come join us and see what you become in AFROTC!

If you are interested in learning more, feel free to reach out to cadre at +1 (412) 624-6031 or via email at afdet730@pitt.edu.

*Some restrictions apply

Medical Students

Enrolling in Army ROTC can enhance your leadership skills and critical thinking abilities while providing financial support to help make your professional goals a reality. As an Army officer, you will have the respect of your peers and coworkers, as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties. Refer to the resources below for more information.

U.S. Army Medicine

U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), About HPSP

Medical/Dental School Stipend Program (MDSSP) 

Your Commitment

  • Army ROTC students who receive an Army ROTC scholarship or enter the Army ROTC Advanced Course must agree to complete a period of service with the Army.
  • You can serve full time in the Army or those who qualify may choose to serve part time as a member of the Army National Guard or Army Reserve while pursuing a civilian career.
  • It’s an experience that you can’t get anywhere else, and your leadership skills will be challenged every day. 
  • Enrolling in the Army ROTC Basic Course does NOT involve a commitment of service to the Army unless you have received an Army ROTC Scholarship.

For more information about our program or to schedule an entrance interview, please contact Mr. Christopher Boissonnault at cbb24@pitt.edu.

Department of Defense Education Programs Coordinator

Samuel R. Haseltine

Samuel R. Haseltine, J.D., is a retired U.S. Marine Corps, Chief Warrant Officer 3 after 22 years of service. After serving, he was a Senior Field Engineer for Lockheed Martin Corporation in Afghanistan. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society from Saint Vincent College in 2016 and continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2019. Samuel serves the Saint Vincent community as a military coordinator for current and prospective students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree while enlisted in the military or officers interested in continuing education. For questions regarding military assistance, veterans programs, or continuing education at SVC for members of the military, contact Samuel at samuel.haseltine@stvincent.edu.

Congratulations to Army ROTC Minuteman Scholarship Recipients
  • Zach Smith
  • Patrick Counihan
Admission & Aid
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